Dallas, USA: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, held a productive meeting with Mr. Brad Cheves, President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), to explore new avenues of economic cooperation, investment, innovation and institutional partnerships between Pakistan and the United States.


The meeting resulted in important understandings aimed at strengthening Pakistan–United States economic cooperation and expanding collaboration in technology, education, clean energy and trade.


A major outcome of the meeting was the agreement that the Dallas Regional Chamber will lead a delegation of American companies operating in Texas to Pakistan. The delegation will engage with leading Pakistani universities, technology companies, logistics firms, chambers of commerce and businesses to identify investment opportunities, promote innovation partnerships and strengthen business-to-business collaboration.


The two sides also agreed to facilitate partnerships between chambers of commerce in Pakistan and the United States to enhance trade, investment and institutional cooperation.


Recognizing the importance of human capital development, discussions also focused on facilitating partnerships with leading American universities, including exploring opportunities for establishing campuses and academic collaborations in Pakistan to promote knowledge exchange and advanced skills development.


During the meeting, Mr. Brad Cheves briefed the Minister on the Dallas regional economy, highlighting Dallas as one of America's fastest-growing metropolitan regions with a GDP of approximately US$801 billion, a population of over 8.35 million, nearly 2.8 million critical jobs, and a highly competitive business ecosystem supported by world-class talent, strategic logistics connectivity and investor-friendly policies. He also highlighted Dallas' strong demographic growth, tax incentives, logistics advantages and business-friendly environment that continue to attract companies and skilled professionals.


Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal congratulated the Dallas Regional Chamber for adopting a development-oriented approach beyond traditional business promotion.


"I congratulate the Dallas Regional Chamber for not only promoting business but also working to improve the quality of life of its people. This is the true role of business communities and representative chambers."


The Minister highlighted the strong complementarities between Pakistan and Texas, particularly Dallas, citing similarities in climate, natural resource endowments and the presence of a vibrant Pakistani diaspora.


He emphasized that Pakistan, with nearly two-thirds of its population comprising youth and a large English-speaking workforce, is rapidly emerging as a regional technology and innovation hub. He noted that the Government is making substantial investments in digital infrastructure, skills development and the IT sector, making Pakistan an increasingly attractive destination for global technology companies seeking high-quality talent at competitive costs.


Prof. Ahsan Iqbal invited companies represented by the Dallas Regional Chamber to explore Pakistan as a strategic hub for technology, innovation and regional business operations, noting that several international firms have already expanded their research, development and backend operations in the country.


The Minister further stated that Pakistan is pursuing regional economic integration to create a stronger and more connected economic ecosystem and invited American businesses to become partners in this vision.


He also highlighted significant opportunities for collaboration in clean energy, as Pakistan accelerates its transition towards renewable energy, and in water conservation and efficient water management, including partnerships in domestic and industrial water efficiency as well as the development of dams and water reservoirs.


The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both sides to transform economic cooperation into long-term partnerships spanning investment, innovation, education, technology and sustainable development, opening a new chapter in Pakistan–Texas relations.